SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #212 : Correcting Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
To some people, the idea of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous for rowdy behavior, noisiness, and disorder.
about
in meaning for
with
to
of
with
According to the idiomatic usage of prepositions, "synonymous" is typically followed by the preposition "with," not "for." All other variations are grammatically incorrect.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Preposition Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children against her own, something that drove her whole family crazy.
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children against her own,
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children for her own,
The mother was endlessly in comparison with her friends’ children and her own,
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children with her own,
The mother was endlessly in comparison with her friends’ children with her own,
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children with her own,
“With” and “to” are the only possible prepositions for the verb “compare.” “Compare with” is used for objects of essentially the same type (for example, comparing one family’s children with another family’s), while “compare to” is used for objects of essentially different types (for example, comparing a mother to a raging forest fire).
Example Question #2601 : Act English
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The night grew so cold that all the campers were shivering although a raging fire.
although a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
through a raging fire.
even though a raging fire.
from a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
The use of "although" in the last part of the sentence is confusing and awkward. A different preposition can more clearly indicate the fact the campers "were shivering" while a fire was "raging," which should warm them. The best answer choice to do this is "despite a raging fire."
Example Question #2 : Correcting Preposition Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
That author's most recent novel is based on the Civil War in Spain, but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
The fragment “on a deeper level” must have a comma before and after it because it interrupts the second clause of the sentence. Also, the word “protest” must be paired with the preposition “against.”
Example Question #13 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
The beach is always a fun place to visit beyond long weekends.
The beach is often a fun place to visit around long weekends.
The beach is always a fun place to visit further long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.
Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.
Example Question #11 : Correcting Preposition Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
They didn't have enough seats in the station wagon, so Frankie had to ride on the trunk.
for
under
on
behind
in
in
It's clear from the context of the sentence that Frankie is riding inside of the trunk, rather than on it, under it, or anywhere else. Therefore, the best choice is the word "in," which indicates his position within the trunk.
Example Question #461 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Greg always wore black clothing, in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
on an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
in an effort to seem different to his older brother.
in an effort to seem more different from his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
"Than" is used for comparatives, so "different from" is better to use than "different than."
Example Question #462 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Just among me and you, do you think Katie has any chance to win the top prize?
Just between me and you
Just among the two of us
Just among you and I
Just among me and you
Just between you and I
Just between me and you
"Among" is used when there are MORE than two entities being discussed. Seeing as there are only two entities being discussed here, "between" is the appropriate choice. "Me" is the correct choice, as opposed to "I," since it is the object of a preposition and therefore should be in objective case as opposed to subjective.
Example Question #11 : Act English
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that.
a sight such like.
a sight such like that.
sight such like that.
a sight such that.
a sight such as that.
a sight such as that.
"Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."
Example Question #463 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Bradley was standing knee deep into the swamp when the alligator swam by.
inside
in
in to
into
on
in
"In" is used in instances of position, whereas "into" is used in instances of direction of motion. Bradley's standing in the swamp was his position when the gator swam by; the preposition doesn't indicate any motion on his part. For this reason, "in" is most appropriate. Bradley wasn't fully & completely inside the swamp, so "inside" is also inappropriate.
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